The initiative brought together school learners, educators and regulatory stakeholders in South Africa’s North West Province, using football to raise awareness about underage gambling while encouraging discipline, teamwork and positive youth development.
The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has hosted its inaugural youth soccer tournament in Mahikeng, South Africa, bringing together school learners and educators as part of a broader campaign to prevent underage gambling and promote responsible behaviour among young people.
The tournament, held on 9 October 2026, formed part of the Board’s responsible gambling awareness initiatives, which seek to educate young people about the financial and social risks associated with gambling.
Organised in collaboration with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the initiative used football as a platform to engage learners in discussions about responsible decision-making, personal development and the importance of protecting their futures.
The National Gambling Board (NGB) also participated in the Mahikeng event, joining provincial stakeholders in promoting the campaign’s central message: “Don’t Gamble Your Future Away.”
Using Football to Raise Awareness About Underage Gambling
The soccer tournament represents a different approach to gambling awareness, taking educational messages beyond traditional workshops and community meetings.
By bringing learners together through sport, the NWGB aimed to create an environment where young people could participate in healthy competition while learning about the dangers of underage gambling.
Football also provided an opportunity to reinforce values such as discipline, teamwork, fair play and responsible decision-making.
The initiative was introduced earlier in the year, with Acting NWGB Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Qalinge announcing a competition involving high-performing schools from the province’s four regions.
The tournament progressed through district competitions before the provincial showdown in Mahikeng.
Schools Compete for Provincial Recognition
The tournament featured schools competing for the opportunity to represent their respective districts at provincial level.
Among the participating institutions was Meriti Secondary School, which secured the Bojanala District title after winning both of its matches against Thabane Commercial School and Boikagong Secondary School.
Meriti finished the district competition with six points, scoring six goals and conceding two to secure qualification for the next stage.
The provincial competition brought together district representatives, providing learners with an opportunity to demonstrate their football abilities while participating in an initiative centred on responsible gambling education.
Beyond the sporting competition, the event highlighted the importance of creating constructive opportunities that encourage young people to develop their talents and make informed decisions.
Responsible Gambling Campaign Targets Young People
The Mahikeng tournament also formed part of wider provincial efforts to address gambling-related harm and illegal gambling activities.
DEDECT and the NWGB have been working with regulatory stakeholders and educational institutions to strengthen awareness of the risks associated with gambling, particularly among younger audiences.
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Bitsa Lenkopane previously emphasised the importance of taking awareness campaigns directly to communities and young people.
The broader programme included educational engagements, awareness activities and regulatory compliance initiatives designed to promote responsible conduct and strengthen public understanding of gambling-related risks.
These efforts reflect growing recognition of the need to combine regulatory enforcement with prevention-focused education.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Regulators and Schools
The involvement of the National Gambling Board reinforced the importance of cooperation between national and provincial gambling authorities.
By engaging learners and educators directly, regulators can communicate responsible gambling messages to audiences who may be exposed to gambling-related advertising, peer pressure or illegal betting activities.
Schools also provide an important environment for encouraging financial awareness and helping young people understand the potential consequences of gambling before reaching the legal gambling age.
The campaign therefore seeks to promote responsible choices while discouraging underage participation in gambling activities.
Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport
The inaugural soccer tournament demonstrates how sporting activities can support public education and community development objectives.
For the NWGB, the initiative extends its responsibilities beyond gambling regulation and enforcement by creating opportunities for direct engagement with young people.
Through football, the Board is seeking to encourage healthy recreational activities while promoting awareness of the financial and social consequences associated with gambling.
The Mahikeng event also highlights the value of collaboration between government departments, regulators, schools and communities in delivering youth-focused prevention programmes.
As the North West Gambling Board continues its responsible gambling awareness activities, initiatives such as the youth soccer tournament provide a platform for combining education, sport and community participation.
